Hazards

The lead lights are not working correctly, repair is organised but may take some time.  Lights are positioned at Lat: 43 49.11S, Long: 172 54.21 E. Position fixing system used is Chart and Almanac and the Charts affected are NZ6324 and 632.

At approximately 43°24, 171°.96 (Waimakariri River up from Woodstock, between Woodstock and the Viaducta) a jet boat hull and engine was sunk around 24th April 2017 and is likely to be anywhere downstream from this location. River users are asked to take care as it is not known where the debri is likely to be. If the vessel is located please advise the Harbourmasters office on 0800 324 636 as soon as possible.  Please quote reference number REC170427121510 as well as depth and GPS locations so it can be removed.

Reports of an object approximately 4 metres by 2 metres in size, floating 2-3 metres below the surface in the Akaroa Harbour have been received by the Harbourmasters office. This object is moving with the current, attempts to locate and remove it have been unsuccessful. All vessels are advised to take care when using the harbour.  If the object is located please advise the Harbourmasters office on 0800 324 636 as soon as possible with a depth and GPS location so it can be removed.

Lake Aviemore is highly likely to contain various types of debris, ranging from rubbish to logs due to the extreme flooding of the Otematata River on 22 January 2017. All water users are advised to keep speeds down and maintain watch when using this lake.

The channel marker has been repaired and is back in position. Both lead lights are operating. Caution is advised when navigating the channel of the Motunau River due to increased amounts of sand and narrowing of the channel.The channel is forever changing course and may not be in the same place as your last visit. Please have a check at low tide before heading out to sea.

For more information please phone Helen 03 314 3751.

These are upstream of Leslie Hills Bridge (seen in the second photo in the Waiau River railway irons notice (PDF 466 kB)). Environment Canterbury is presently investigating removal options for these as they may present a hazard for boats on the river. No removal date has been scheduled – please check this website for updates.

In the meantime, river users are urged to exercise caution in this area, particularly at higher flows when the irons may not be as easily seen as they are at the low flow the photos were taken at. This site (see photos in the Waiau River railway irons notice (PDF 466 kB)) can easily be seen from upstream and downstream in good time to allow boaters to avoid the objects. For further information contactharbourmaster@ecan.govt.nz

Sputniks are large concrete blocks with protruding steel beams that were historically used on rivers for bank protection. Many still exist on some rivers, including several in the lower Clarence / Waiau Toa, some of which are navigation safety hazards for those boating the river. For more information see the Sputniks notice (PDF 710 kB).

Submerged and semi-submerged objects including tree stumps have been reported in the Brooklands Lagoon water ski area. Users of this area are advised to exercise caution as these objects may be difficult to see, particularly if navigating at towing speed.